Discover Borneo's Rainforest, Java's Volcanoes & Bali's Beaches - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Jakarta, Explore at Leisure

Welcome to Indonesia! After you arrive in Jakarta, the country's capital, you'll meet your driver for your hotel transfer. Settle in, then set out to explore the city's busy streets, fantastic cuisine, modern skyscrapers, and colonial architecture. Begin in the historic district of Kota Tua at Fatahillah Square, once the administrative center of the Dutch East India Company. While there, visit the Jakarta History Museum and the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum.

After exploring Kota Tua, try Indonesian street food, from nasi goreng (fried rice) to martabak (stuffed pancakes) and bakso (meatball soup) at the "food" street Jalan Sabang. Be sure to sample the famous kopi luwak coffee, one of the world's most expensive coffees, which is made from beans that have passed through the digestive system of a small, local mammal.

Later, visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a park with beautifully designed pavilions representing each province. Wander through the park to discover Indonesia's customs, architecture, and traditions, demonstrated in miniature replicas of temples, houses, and landmarks. The park also hosts authentic dance shows and other cultural events, so catch one if possible.

Day 2: Fly to Borneo, River Cruise to Sekonyer & Camp Tanjung Harapan

Transfer to the airport this morning for a quick flight to Pangkalan Bun. Welcome to Borneo! After arrival, transfer to your boat, a klotok (traditional wooden river boat), where you'll meet the captain and get an overview of local wildlife before your two-night journey through Tanjung Puting National Park begins. As you boat along the Sekonyer River, watch for orangutans, monkeys, bush pigs, wild deer, and native birds. You'll stop in the rural Sekonyer Village on the banks of the river to meet the friendly Dayak people and join in traditional dance performances and handicraft workshops.

In the afternoon, continue to explore the tranquil river and watch the wildlife. Keep your eyes open and try to spot proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and exotic birds on the riverbank. You'll visit Camp Tanjung Harapan Rehabilitation Center, where you'll see orangutans enjoying their food at the feeding station. Trek through the surrounding rainforest trails and boardwalks with your guide before returning to the boat.

Day 3: Meet Orangutans at Pondok Tanggui & Camp Leakey

Spend the morning cruising through the peaceful, still water of the national park, keeping an eye out for freshwater crocodiles, while navigating to Pondok Tanggui, home to an orangutan rehabilitation center. Here, you can enjoy a guided tour to learn about the orangutan rehabilitation program, have the chance to interact with these gentle great apes, and watch them being fed. Afterward, take a guided trek through the forest to explore the park's rich biodiversity over a few hours. 

Enjoy lunch on board your klotok, then visit Camp Leakey, the research and information center where the older orangutans are reintroduced to the rainforest. Learn about the camp's history, ongoing research, and conservation efforts to protect the endangered orangutan population, then set off on a guided jungle hike in the afternoon to maximize your chances of seeing orangutans in their natural habitat. Watch for noisy gibbons, deer, colorful birds, and wild boar. Back on the boat, you'll have dinner and see the night sky lit by thousands of fireflies.

Day 6: Terraces, Temples & Waterfalls Near Ubud 

Prepare for a full day touring Bali's temples and nature, starting with Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Ubud. Spend an hour exploring the terraces, witnessing the Balinese tradition of cooperative farming. Get a glimpse of local life by visiting nearby traditional Balinese villages, where skilled artisans create handicrafts like wood carvings and batik textiles. Next, hike down a narrow, rocky path for about an hour before reaching Tukad Cepung Waterfall, hidden within a cave setting. Notice the play of light and shadow created by the sun filtering through the cave and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Continue your tour at the Mother Temple of Besakih, the largest Hindu temple complex in Bali. Explore the impressive architecture, intricate carvings, and views of mountains and rice paddies. Learn about Bali's Hindu culture as your guide shares its history dating back to the eighth century. Conclude your day with a visit to Tirta Empul, a 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Participate in a traditional purification ritual using the temple's sacred spring water with healing powers, and explore the temple's statues, courtyards, and gardens.

Day 7: Sunrise Hike at Mount Batur, Soak in the Batur Hot Springs

Early this morning at 2 am, make your way to nearby Mount Batur to begin your ascent of this active volcano before sunrise. This challenging trek takes around 1.5-2 hours, and you'll hike to more than 5,577 feet (1,700 m) above sea level. When you finally reach the top, watch the sunrise from above the clouds and be rewarded with incredible views over the island. Directly below you, you'll see Lake Batur, and through the clouds, you'll be able to spot Bali's other volcanoes in the distance: Abang, Agung, and Batukaru.

Enjoy a light breakfast provided by your guide amid this spectacular scenery. After sunrise, make the short trek back down, soak in the morning light, and possibly spot local wildlife. Once back at the base, meet your driver, who will take you to the therapeutic hot springs to rejuvenate your tired legs. Reflect on your exhilarating hike as you unwind in the warm waters before returning to Ubud.

Day 8: Visit Lempuyang & Tirta Gangga, Balinese Cuisine Workshop

Begin your day in Bali with a guided visit to Lempuyang Temple, among the island's oldest and most holy temples. Also called Pura Luhur Lempuyang, this complex sits on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang, one of Bali's highest mountains, and offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape. Climb 1,700 steps up the mountain to reach the temple, then explore several intricately designed, smaller shrines. For incredible views of Bali's highest volcano, Mount Agung, visit the famous Gate of Heaven.

Your next stop will be the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, a tranquil water garden on the eastern part of the island. Built in the early 20th century by the King of Karangasem, this enchanting water park features a collection of pools, fountains, and statues, all amid lush greenery with far-reaching views of the surrounding mountains. Walk along the octagonal stepping stones and feed the carp, swim in one of the spring-fed pools, or wander among the vibrant flowers and intricate sculptures.

In the afternoon, you'll join a two-hour cooking class in Ubud to learn how to make several typical Balinese dishes. Follow your guide to the local market for fresh ingredients, then head to a coconut plantation to tap the trees for their sap, which is used in making arak, a distinct Balinese liquor. Then, your chef will demonstrate various techniques to create authentic Balinese dishes, such as lawar (finely minced spiced meat) and bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck in banana leaves). At the end of the lesson, sample different types of arak and enjoy savoring the fruits of your labor.

Day 9: Visit Ubud Palace & the Sacred Monkey Forest, Transfer to Nusa Dua

Immerse yourself in Ubud's rich culture this morning. Begin by shopping for handmade Balinese crafts and souvenirs at the world-renowned Ubud Art Market, a lively open-air hub. Snap up gifts for yourself or a loved one, such as traditional textiles, woodcarvings, jewelry, and paintings. You can also shop in the conventional, everyday section of the market for items like fruits, vegetables, and household goods. After exploring the market, visit the formerly royal Ubud Palace, also known as the Puri Saren Palace, with its well-preserved Balinese architecture and lovely gardens.

While there, you'll enjoy a traditional legong dance performance, which takes place daily. Legong, which likely originated in the 19th century, requires such intense training that most girls begin at the age of five. Watch as the complicated hand movements and intricate footwork tell a mesmerizing story of mythical origins, accompanied by traditional music. After exploring the palace, head with your guide to the 14th-century Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a popular tourist attraction in Ubud and home to over 700 long-tailed macaque monkeys.

Observe the monkeys in their natural habitat and learn about the sanctuary's conservation efforts from your guide. As you walk through the forest to visit the intricate shrines and temples, you'll meet the resident monkeys wandering freely. Afterward, your driver will transfer you for 1.5 hours to Nusa Dua, a luxurious beach town on the island's southern tip. Check into your hotel and then spend time on the white sand beaches, get a Balinese massage, hit up a golf course, or learn about the area's history at the Pasifika Museum.

Day 10: Day Trip to the Beaches of Nusa Penida

Begin your day early to beat the crowds as you take a guided day trip to the nearby island Nusa Penida, where you'll visit some beautiful beaches, starting with Broken Beach. Marvel at the arch formation created by limestone cliffs and admire panoramic views. Then, descend to the beach for an hour of swimming and sunbathing before venturing to Kelingking Beach, known as "T-Rex Bay" due to the shape of the cliffs. Hike to the viewpoint for unparalleled views of the beach and surrounding cliffs, then spend an hour swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.

Conclude your island adventure at the quieter Diamond Beach, accessible via a steep staircase with beautiful coastline views. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and rent sun loungers and umbrellas for ultimate relaxation. The beach is on an untouched bay on the island's eastern tip, known for its famous cliff lookout and the pointy, diamond-shaped rock just offshore. Finally, return to Nusa Dua and unwind.

Day 11: Visit Uluwatu & Tanah Lot, Seafood Barbecue, Drinks at Rock Bar

Today takes you to the spectacular setting of Uluwatu, also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu. This 11th-century temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, is dedicated to the Hindu god of the sea, Dewa Baruna. Explore the temple grounds and learn about the history and traditions of Balinese Hinduism. While there, you'll also witness a kecak dance performance held on the temple grounds. This Balinese dance and music form originated in the 1930s in Bona, Bali, and is performed by male dancers who use their bodies and voices to create a mesmerizing rhythmic chanting sound.

Next, make a memorable visit to Tanah Lot, an interesting rock formation and temple dedicated to Balinese sea gods. During low tide, you can access the temple via a narrow causeway. Witness the fantastic views, peruse local shops within the temple, and savor delicious food amid a sacred atmosphere guarded by playful monkeys. In the evening, head to a beach in nearby Jimbaran for a traditional seafood barbecue of freshly caught fish grilled over an open flame.

Savor grilled prawns, squid, and lobster with spicy sambal sauce and steamed rice as you enjoy the ambience of candlelit tables on the beach. Then, spend your final night in Bali at the Rock Bar in Jimbaran. The bar, designed in a modern style, is accessible by a steep cliffside tram or stairs. The views are more than worth the trip! Watch the stars appear over the ocean as you enjoy live music, small plates, and creative cocktails. Afterward, return to your accommodation in Nusa Dua. 

Day 12: Depart Bali